HB 852 -- Immunizations and Dental Services

Sponsor:  Holand

This bill contains provisions pertaining to immunizations and
dental services.

Effective January 1, 2005, the bill prohibits:

(1)  Immunizations from being administered in Missouri which
contain heavy metals, including mercury and thimerosal; and

(2)  New or replacement dental restorations (fillings) from being
performed in Missouri which contain mercury.  This provision does
not apply to existing restorations unless replacing the existing
restoration is based on accepted dental practices or the patient
requests a new restoration.

Effective January 1, 2005, the bill also requires insurers
licensed in Missouri that provide coverage for immunizations and
dental services on a fee schedule or a percentage reimbursement
basis to:

(1)  Reimburse for immunizations not containing mercury or other
heavy metals.  This reimbursement must be at the same percentage
rate of the usual and customary charges provided for
immunizations containing mercury or other heavy metals prior to
January 1, 2005; and

(2)  Reimburse for dental restorations not containing mercury at
the same percentage rate of the usual and customary charges
provided for dental services containing mercury prior to January
1, 2005.

Missouri House of Representatives
92nd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 23, 2004 at 11:14 am